Brooks, a 6-foot-3, 259-pounder, joined Cincinnati in 2006 as a third-round pick in the supplemental draft out of Virginia. He started five games at middle linebacker as a rookie and two games last year before a groin injury necessitated surgery and ended his season.

This year, he was switched to strong-side linebacker and sometimes pass-rushing defensive end.

He was kicked off the Virginia team before his senior season after frequent trouble with coach Al Groh, and he was accused of punching a woman in the face in northern Kentucky in April.

The charge was one of many that Cincinnati players have faced in recent years. During a 14-month span in 2006-07, 10 of them were arrested.

Thomas had missed two tackles in the opening drive by San Diego in Friday's exhibition. He was signed this year after four seasons with the Vikings.

Another chance

The 49ers claimed linebacker Ahmad Brooks on waivers from Cincinnati on Sunday, even though he was one of many Bengals who had run-ins with the law in recent years.

They made room for him on their roster by waiving linebacker Dontarrious Thomas. Brooks is expected to replace Thomas as Patrick Willis' backup.

Brooks, a 6-foot-3, 259-pounder, joined Cincinnati in 2006 as a third-round pick in the supplemental draft out of Virginia. He started five games at middle linebacker as a rookie and two games last year before a groin injury necessitated surgery and ended his season.

This year, he was switched to strong-side linebacker and sometimes pass-rushing defensive end.

He was kicked off the Virginia team before his senior season after frequent trouble with coach Al Groh, and he was accused of punching a woman in the face in northern Kentucky in April.

The charge was one of many that Cincinnati players have faced in recent years. During a 14-month span in 2006-07, 10 of them were arrested.

Thomas had missed two tackles in the opening drive by San Diego in Friday's exhibition. He was signed this year after four seasons with the Vikings.